Visitor Attractions and Activities in Blyth
Blyth is a town located in the southeast of Northumberland with a population of around 35,000 people. With its origins in the 12th century, most of the town’s modern development began in the 18th century.
The local driving test centre for Northumberland, operated by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), is based in the town. Learner drivers in Blyth often take their practical driving test on the roads in and around the town, so please be considerate and wary of other drivers when you visit Blyth.
So what is Blyth famous for, and what attractions are worth a visit?
The town’s primary focus was the port that dates from the 12th century and is still in use today.
In its heyday, the port was responsible for exporting vast amounts of coal from the local coal mines, and to a lesser extent, salt produced locally in its fourteen former salt pans up until 1876.
In the first part of the 20th century, Blyth boasted one of the largest shipbuilding yards on the North East coast, with five dry docks and four building slipways. The most famous ship built here was probably the HMS Ark Royal in 1914.
As well as building ships for the Royal Navy during World War I and II, it also served as a submarine base during both wars.
Today the area around the port plays a fundamental role in the UK’s renewable energy industry.
In days gone by, Blyth was home to a harpoon shop, which made specialist equipment for Greenland’s whaling industry. Nowadays, it is home to Blyth Spartans, the local non-league football club.
Top Things to Do in Blyth, Northumberland
Whether you are visiting Blyth for business or recreation, why not consider making a round of golf one of your top priorities. Blyth and the surrounding area has many outstanding options for the keen golfer, including various courses and tee times to fit your schedule.
Blyth Golf Club is a mature, challenging and interesting tree-lined course boasting some of Northumberland’s finest greens.
For the kids, why not consider Bounce.
Bounce, an indoor adventure play area, located in Blyth Industrial Estate, is a great place to entertain the kids. This colourful soft play centre has giant slides, rope bridges, net climbs, ball pools, an air hockey table, football, and a separate play area for toddlers. So if you are looking for a fun day out with the kids, why consider popping in.
Why not visit Ridley Park in Blyth for a great day out for the whole family. The park is located near the centre of the town and has excellent transport links.
Ridley Park recreational area is popular with people of all ages to enjoy, including a water play area, woodland walking, a bowling green and a cafe. It’s a popular and picturesque spot for the whole family to visit throughout the year.
Beach Attractions near Blyth
Located on Northumberland’s coast, Blyth has three beaches; Cambois North, Cambois South and Blyth Beach.
Cambois North and Cambois South Beaches comprise a long stretch of sand, backed by rocks and grassy dunes between the River Wansbeck estuary to the north and Blyth Harbour to the south.
The beach is popular with walkers, anglers and the occasional surfer. There are no restrictions for dog walking. Parking is available on the roads running parallel to the beach.
There were reports of litter and debris washed up along this coastline stretch; however, local volunteers now organise beach clean-ups to keep the shoreline cleaner.
Unusually, numerous off-shore wind turbines are visible from the beach.
The most popular beach is Blyth Beach, a long, wide, golden sandy beach backed by dunes. This beach is popular with walkers, swimmers, surfers and anglers.
During the summer activities are focussed on swimming and surfing. There is a surf school on the beach, a designated area for water sports, such as jet-skiing, and a yachting club. During the winter, anglers come here for excellent fishing opportunities.
Visitors may be lucky enough to spot marine wildlife such as dolphins, seals, or porpoises from the beach as they are known to frequent the area.
Parking is available at Mermaid Car Park, of the B1329, towards the northern end of the beach and at the car park along Beach Way towards the town centre.
Facilities include public toilets, a cafe, a children’s play area and a promenade. At the northern end of the beach is the pier and harbour at the River Blyth’s mouth. Numerous shops and places to eat are readily accessible in the town centre, about half a mile north of the beach.
More Places to Drive to in Blyth and Nearby Northumberland
Why not discover the Northumberland National Park’s beauty by taking part in one of the guided walks run every weekend and are specifically planned to take in some of Northumberland’s local beauty spots. There is a walk for every level of fitness.
There are numerous castles, galleries, and historical attractions near Blyth to visit; Bamburgh Castle is probably one of the most impressive. To experience Northumberland at a different level, why not take time out and visit Bamburgh Castle, England’s finest coastal castle, which towers 150 feet above the coast with outstanding sea views.
More recent historical attractions include Blyth Battery, which originally spanned the promenade’s length along Blyth Beach and designed to prevent the Germans’ landings in World War One.
In 1940 the site was upgraded and fitted with two gun emplacements with a range of 7 miles to protect Blyth harbour, port and the naval shipyards during World War Two. Both gun emplacements are seaward facing and fronted by a sloping apron of reinforced concrete. It is the most intact and accessible coastal defence battery left on the North East and Yorkshire coastline.
Places to eat in Blyth
If you feel hungry and in need of a meal, there is a world of cuisine available in Blyth, with a range of restaurants and cuisine ranging from fish and chips, Indian curry dishes, and traditional pub grub to upmarket bistro delights and American steakhouse banquets.
Coastline Fish and Chip Restaurant on Links Road is the preferred choice for a classic fish and chips meal.
On Hathery Lane, off the A189, the Three Horseshoes on the outskirts on Blyth serves excellent traditional pub food and caters for vegetarians and customers who are gluten intolerant. An alternative to consider is the Seahorse which serves classic pub grub and a Sunday carvery.
If you fancy something different, why pop into Dolly Dimples on Regent Street for a pizza or Porky’s for a smoked barbeque dish on Front Street.
Accommodation in Blyth
During your trip to Blyth, you can find a great night’s sleep in the lodging of your choice. Whether you are looking for dog-friendly accommodation, a waterfront Inn, snug B&B, cottage, guest house or extravagant hotel in Blyth or one of Northumberland’s surrounding towns and villages.
For a great place to stay in Blyth, why not consider the stunning Commissioner’s Quay Inn on Blyth’s historic quay. The family and pet-friendly hotel is an ideal place to stop over or unwind with friends and family. After a bike ride, walk, or drive around Blyth, why pop in for a meal or coffee. Relax and absorb the unbeatable sea views while you enjoy the home-cooked pub food served from 7.30 am to 9.00 pm.